Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Animals globally face increasing risks to their health and well-being from human behavior and their natural environment. We work to advance animal health through scientific research in the causes and cures of infectious disease, climate-related illness, human population and environmental degradation in dogs, cats, horses and wildlife.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Golden Retriever Lifetime Study
The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, the first of its kind for dogs, is a longitudinal study of 3,000 Golden Retrievers for which the goal is to determine the risk factors, incidences and ultimately advise improved treatment for cancer and other diseases in this and other breeds of dogs.
Training Scientists Program
Outstanding scientists are critical for improving the health of our pets and saving endangered species from extinction. Unfortunately, veterinary scientists are quickly becoming an endangered species themselves as fewer people enter research careers. Morris Animal Foundation has a stated goal to fill the pipeline for veterinarian-scientists by providing training grants that include: a) funding to introduce outstanding veterinary students to animal health research through established mentors (Veterinary Student Scholars program); b) providing a training mechanism for veterinarians to pursue an advanced degree, PhD, in veterinary research; and c) creating postdoctoral (post-DVM or post-PhD) training fellowships in research to advance animal health. We anticipate awarding 25 Veterinary Student Scholarships and 40 Postdoctoral Training Awards in Fiscal Year 2017.
Small Animal Grants
Supporting scientific health studies to address critical health studies in cats and dogs.
Large Animal Grants
Supporting scientific health studies to address critical health studies in horses, llamas and alpacas.
Wildlife Grants
Supporting scientific health studies to address critical health studies in wildlife.
Where we work
External reviews

Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of print, radio, or online ads developed
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Number of different periodicals published
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Number of national media pieces on the topic
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Input - describing resources we use
Direction of Success
Increasing
Number of press articles published
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Number of reports written/published
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Number of program sites
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Morris Animal Foundation has been improving the health of animals worldwide for more than 70 years. We were founded by a veterinarian and continue to be a science-driven organization, funding scientists conducting crucial animal health studies globally as well as our own research. We’ve invested more than $136 million in the pursuit of disease management and eradication, all to benefit animals. We’re responsible for the development of diagnostic tools, vaccines, new drug therapies and surgical techniques. We partner with leaders in animal health to build on existing knowledge, unlock new discoveries and bring revolutionary treatments into practice. From urgent health crises in our cats and dogs to solutions for long-term survival of endangered species, we never stop trying to change the lives of animals for the better.
We fund more animal health studies, in more species, in more places around the world than any other organization. At any given time, we have over 200 studies underway to address important health challenges, from conducting the largest cancer-focused study on dogs, to supporting research critical to save the endangered Mongolian saiga antelope. The knowledge gained from our research is shared freely so that animals can benefit from our scientific advancements as soon as they are available.
We arm animal health professionals with knowledge and support those beginning in the field. It’s going to take the best and the brightest minds to help our planet’s diverse animal communities thrive. To that end, we actively support the work of established researchers as well as promising young investigators. We are a leading provider of unbiased scientific information, and apply the highest scientific standards to achieve innovative solutions to health challenges – all to usher our animal kingdom into a healthier future. It was the dream of Dr. Mark L. Morris Sr., when he established the Foundation in 1948, to advance veterinary medicine and improve animal health. We continue to make that dream a reality every day.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Our strategies are to fund scientific studies that advance the health of dogs, cats, horses and wildlife, and to disseminate information about these studies to veterinarians to incorporate in their daily practice in the clinic and in the field.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Staff of 50, volunteer scientific advisory boards (90 total professionals), $82 million endowment, 70+ year history and track record.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
We have invested over $136 million in over 2,780 studies directly affecting 300 species with 20,000 species benefiting from our research. We have studied more than 400 animal health problems, advancing diagnostics, treatments, preventions and cures. Next, we have the ambition to double our funding for animal health research, particularly as the work of science becomes more expensive to conduct. Major areas of investment will be cancer, emerging infectious diseases, and environmental and climate impacts on animal health.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Morris Animal Foundation
Board of directorsas of 07/22/2022
Walter George
G3 Consulting, LLC
Term: 2016 - 2019
Deborah Davenport
Hill's Pet Nutrition
David Morris
CEO, Zupreem
Patrick Long
Camelid Healthcare Services
Stanley Teeter
Retired
Colin Giles
Nexvet Biopharma
Cynthia Morris
Peterson-Arne
Bob Gain
BlackRock
Walter George
G3 Consulting, LLC
Amy Eagle-Thompson
Retired
Amy Hunkeler
Eye Care for Animals
Jay Mesinger
Mesinger Jet Sales
Vern Norviel
Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich and Rosati
Chuck Stephens
Stephens & Associates Advertising
Bill Sutherland
Worldwide Marketing Operations
Donna Dambach
Kyle Offerman
Ann Moore
John Kuenzi
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? GuideStar partnered on this section with CHANGE Philanthropy and Equity in the Center.
Leadership
No data
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
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Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data